The South Carolina Gamecocks are poised for a big season thanks to returning talent and a good recruiting class that adds key depth. The Gamecocks will rely on the run game to bring success and that means Marcus Lattimore will be depended on tremendously. For him to have success, there is one position that must step up in 2011 – fullback.
Coach Spurrier’s offense was spoiled in 2010 with having a dependable, gutsy grinder in Patrick DiMarco. He who will be sorely missed at fullback as he provided many key blocks to spring open the right cut for Lattimore or provided a relief outlet for Garcia’s passing attack.
Let’s take a look at the fullback position for USC heading into the upcoming 2011 season and who will be expected to seize the opportunity to be the lead blocker for Spurrier’s run game that is poised for a big season.
Dalton Wilson, at 6’1″ 220 pounds, could be the answer the team needs. He is a redshirt junior and is listed as the starter at fullback heading into the season. He is relatively small for a fullback but packs power and has good hands in the open field.
For those that follow Gamecocks football, the name of Matt Coffee may ring a bell. He had a knee issue that has delayed his development. At 5’11” 235 pounds, this sophomore has strong blocking ability and can have the power needed to open a running lane. Matt Coffee has the pedigree (his brother Glen had a very brief and successful NFL career with the 49ers) and size to be a productive fullback.
Billy Byrne, a redshirt sophomore, has good compact size at 5’11” and 230 pounds. He just recently moved over to fullback this spring after being buried on the depth chart at linebacker throughout his collegiate career. He is a little bit of an unknown but he has the smarts, the power and the desire. That could be three things the offense needs as the lead blocker for Marcus Lattimore.
These three above are the likely candidates heading into the season to fill the role as the silent partner that Marcus Lattimore needs to propel South Carolina to a return trip to the SEC Championship game.
Other LOHD Position Primers
—Gamecocks Football: Summer Position Primer – Quarterback
—Gamecocks Football: Summer Position Primer – Running Back
